Technicians unable to repair airport navigation equipment due to snake

Airline Industry Information, April 4, 2002

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Technicians at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kenya, have been unable to repair a vital navigation aid due to a huge snake.

The reptile has taken up residence in the hut where the Instrument Landing System (ILS) is housed. The ILS, along with other navigational equipment, has been malfunctioning at the airport following frequent power fluctuations. The technicians have so far been unable to repair the equipment as every time they venture into the hut the snake threatens to attack.

The Mombasa Fire Brigade has fumigated the hut, however this failed to kill the snake. Plans are now under way to contact the Kenya Wildlife Service to deal with the reptile, according to Xinhua News Agency.

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